Suspected terrorists flown to Jakarta

Personnel from the National Police's Densus 88 counterterrorism unit transported on Saturday three suspected terrorists they had arrested during raids in Ambon and Tual, Maluku recently to Jakarta from Pattimura International Airport in Ambon.

The three suspected terrorists, identified as I, S and W, were taken from the Maluku Police detention center in Tantui at 12 p.m. local time in two minivans, and were guarded by Densus 88 personnel.

The entourage entered the airport via the VIP entrance under guard of a patrol car and boarded a Lion Air flight.

Maluku Police deputy chief Herry Prastowo said the National Police would need testimonies by the three to further their investigation.

"They have been taken to Jakarta to aid our investigation," he said as quoted by kompas.com.

Herry said that Densus 88 officers also took with them evidence confiscated during the raids.

S, I and W were arrested for possession of firearms, thousands of bullets, and several grenades. Suspect I was arrested at his house in Gunung Malintang, Batu Merah, Ambon; S in Ihu village in Batu Merah; and W was arrested in Dula Darat, Tual. (swd)